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New Harrier is looking good, I think. Car and Driver thinks it would do well here, slotting between the RAV4 and Highlander.
Toyota Harrier Mid-Size SUV Could Be a Perfect Fit for America
This Japan-market crossover would slot in between the RAV4 and Highlander, and Toyota already holds a trademark for the Harrier name in the U.S.
Toyota has launched a new generation of the Japan-market Harrier SUV.
The Harrier used to be closely related to the Lexus RX but is now a standalone model, which makes us think it could—and should—come to the U.S.
If it ever comes to our shores, the mid-size Harrier would slot in between the RAV4 and Highlander in the lineup.
The Toyota Harrier is not a familiar nameplate to most Americans. Previously sold in Japan as an identical twin of the Lexus RX with a Toyota badge, the Harrier has recently diverged from the Lexus. And now that there is a particularly attractive new Harrier launching in Japan this year, we are starting to think that it should come to the U.S.
As a mid-size crossover, it would fill a gap in the Toyota SUV lineup last occupied by the Venza sold from 2009 to 2015. The fact that Toyota filed for a U.S. trademark for the Harrier name in August 2018, hints that this may be a real possibility.
At 186.6 inches long, the Harrier is 5.7 inches longer than the compact RAV4 but 8.3 inches shorter than the three-row Highlander. It has two rows of seats and would hypothetically compete with models such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Edge, and Honda Passport. Toyota does currently offer the 4Runner as its two-row mid-size SUV option, but that model is truck-based and more off-road-oriented while the Harrier is based on the same TNGA unibody architecture as many other Toyota passenger-car models.
Powertrains for the Japanese-market Harrier include a 2.0-liter inline-four with 169 hp paired with a CVT and a hybrid system that uses a 2.5-liter inline-four and electric motors to produce a total output of between 215 and 219 hp. If it comes to the U.S., we might expect to see the hybrid drivetrain offered along with a more powerful turbo-four or V-6 option.
Toyota USA representatives aren't commenting on the Harrier at this point, so we don't have any official word on its possible U.S. availability. But check out the images of the new model and let us know if you think it's a good idea for Toyota to bring it here.
I bet this is the new Venza for the US. I like the interior.
It seems to make sense--how many crossovers between a Highlander and RAV4 can Toyota have? Personally, I'd rather see them keep the name Harrier over Venza.
Attractive interior, ugly exterior. Squashed rear is too similar to the lamented Honda Crossturd/Acura ZDX.
I think if this came, it may hurt more than help. It could easily steal sales away from the Rav4 and Highlander shoppers.
Interesting concept, but both the RAV-4 and Harrier sell so well in the U.S. that I'm not sure there's a real need bridge the gap. The RAV-4 is arguably the largest-selling crossover, period.
Interesting concept, but both the RAV-4 and Harrier sell so well in the U.S. that I'm not sure there's a real need bridge the gap. The RAV-4 is arguably the largest-selling crossover, period.
Well, not always. First, if that was the case, they would bring over the Toyota Century, which IMO is more of a proper luxury-sedan than the Lexus LS500. Second, they tried marketing the mid-engine MR2 here three different times, and neither one was very successful.
Well, not always. First, if that was the case, they would bring over the Toyota Century, which IMO is more of a proper luxury-sedan than the Lexus LS500. Second, they tried marketing the mid-engine MR2 here three different times, and neither one was very successful.
Would be a Honda Passport competitor. Hard sell for Honda thus far, but I assume the Venza faithful would love it.
Toyota I assume is really doing the BMW ethos of catering every single inch of the SUV/XUV market. LCs going down market, Venzas coming back. 4R is supposedly being refreshed....Gonna be interesting to how they avoid stepping on each others segment.
Would be a Honda Passport competitor. Hard sell for Honda thus far, but I assume the Venza faithful would love it.
I agree it might be a Passport competitor....but I wouldn't really link it to the Venza. The Venza was a little closer to the Outback in concept....more of a raised-suspension Station Wagon than what I would call a true crossover or SUV.
This is what the Highlander used to be in Toyota 's lineup until they bloated it into a 3 row behemoth. I know since I owned 2 of the original Highlanders.
It's the perfect size. I like what they did to the spindle grill. They cut the top third off and made it pleasing to the eye.
Very sleek interior. Toyota has some beautiful designs lately. LC, 2nd gen Mirai, Harrier now IMO
Agreed, that contrast in color on the center stack that runs down through the middle armrest is an interest design choice. Toyota has come a long way since just a generation of cars ago.
04-17-20, 12:37 PM
C&D: Harrier Could be a Perfect Fit for US
